Bearing noises

[bwilson]

I just bought a 1975 Sea Ray with twin 165 Mercruiser outdrives. the boat had sat for a number of years prior to me getting it. I have started both engines (with basically only chacking the oil, it looked perfect, and turning the key). One engine sounds like it has a grinding noise coming from the back or the bottom. My first guess would be one of the bearings going out to the outdrive. It's a constant noise, not a knocking so I was ruling the engine, correct????<br /><br />Any ideas?

 

[flashback]

Re: Bearing noises

most likely its the gimbal bearing, there is a grease fitting on the outside of the outdrive on the bellhousing (left side i think, but not sure) put about 10 or 15 strokes of gimbal grease in and try it again. if the sound changes then you have found the problem, also grease all the other fittings and check/change the gear lube in the outdrives. may want to pull the drives and grease the u-joints also..if you pull the drives you will be able to inspect the gimbal bearing.

 

[bwilson]

Re: Bearing noises

Thanks for the quick response. from what I'm reading I'm going to pull the drive and check everything out for both sides.<br /><br />What's the R&R time on an outdrive????

 

[magster65]

Re: Bearing noises

The first time I greased my u-joints on my SeaRay (merc. also) took about 1/2 hour. It's an easy job